Copper–bipyridine-catalyzed enantioselective α-amination of β-keto esters

The Cu(OTf)2-bipyridine-catalyzed, enantioselective, direct α-amination of β-keto esters and β-diketones with diethyl azodicarboxylate (DEAD) has been studied. Exceptionally high enantioselectivities of up to 99% ee were found for 1-indanone-based β-keto esters in particular even for substrates and reagents carrying conventional ester groups such as methyl and ethyl.